Sam Johnson signs discharge petition to force a vote on border security measure: Pushes vote on SAVE Act

March 12, 2008

Today U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.-Texas) signed a discharge petition to force a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on an immigration reform and border security measure.

“Americans want, need and deserve illegal immigration reform. It’s time that Congress held an up or down vote on this important issue,” said Johnson. “Our borders are out of control! They are lawless and it’s time we did something about it - finally,” continued Johnson.

Yesterday, a Member of Congress filed a discharge petition to force a House vote on Congressman Heath Shuler’s (11th Dist.-N.C.) SAVE Act. The SAVE Act aims to reduce illegal immigration through a strict emphasis on border security, employer verification and interior enforcement.

The Save Act has 145 co-sponsors, over 40 Democrats and nearly 100 Republicans. The discharge petition is a procedural maneuver that allows a majority of Members of Congress to bring to the floor a bill, bypassing all formal house rules.

If the SAVE Act discharge petition collects 218 signatures comprising a majority of the House, it “discharges” the measure from the seven House committees where it is currently under consideration, and will send it to the House floor for a vote.

Johnson supports the border security and interior enforcement portions of the SAVE Act but prefers his own legislation to prevent unauthorized employment, the New Employee Verification Act. The New Employee Verification Act achieves three important objectives: ensure a legal workforce, safeguard workers’ identity, and protect Social Security.

Johnson represents portions of Dallas and Collin Counties.

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